Sparsity: meaning, definitions and examples

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sparsity

[ˈspɑːsɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in statistics

Sparsity refers to the property of having very few non-zero elements in a dataset or mathematical structure. It is commonly used in the context of sparse matrices, where most of the elements are zero.

Synonyms

infrequency, rareness, scantiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sparsity	Used when discussing the lack or thin distribution of elements in a certain area or field. Often used in scientific or technical contexts. The sparsity of data made it difficult to draw conclusive results. The sparsity of vegetation in the desert is quite remarkable.
scantiness	Often carries a negative connotation, implying an inadequacy or insufficient amount. Used mostly in critical or evaluative scenarios. The scantiness of the food supply raised concerns about the survival of the community. The scantiness of her research left many questions unanswered.
rareness	Used when talking about something that is uncommon or not easily found. It can carry a positive connotation when describing something valuable or special. The rareness of the artifact made it a prized possession for the museum. She marveled at the rareness of the blue diamond.
infrequency	Used to describe events or occurrences that do not happen often over a period of time. Mainly used in everyday language or formal writing. The infrequency of his visits disappointed his family. Infrequency of updates can make a software program obsolete quickly.

Examples of usage

The sparsity of the data matrix allowed for efficient storage and computation.
Sparse coding techniques take advantage of the sparsity present in the data.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in everyday language

Sparsity can refer to a state of being scarce or lacking in quantity. It often implies a sense of insufficiency or inadequacy.

Synonyms

dearth, paucity, scarcity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sparsity	Used to describe something that is thinly scattered or few and spread out, often in a physical or spatial sense. The sparsity of trees in the desert made it look vast and empty The sparsity of data points made it difficult to draw an accurate conclusion
scarcity	Implies a limited availability of resources, often leading to higher demand or value. It can be used in economic contexts or everyday situations. Water scarcity is a major issue in many developing countries The scarcity of rare minerals drives up their prices
dearth	Refers to a severe lack or shortage of something, often implying a negative consequence or problem due to the shortage. There is a dearth of affordable housing in the city The dearth of qualified teachers has affected the quality of education
paucity	Used to describe a small or insufficient quantity of something. It often has a formal or academic tone. Research was challenging due to the paucity of empirical data The paucity of food supplies has led to widespread hunger

Examples of usage

The sparsity of resources in the region led to widespread poverty.
The sparsity of options left us with limited choices.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'sparsus', meaning 'scattered or thinly spread'.
The term is often used in scientific contexts to describe a lack of density.
First recorded use in English dates back to the mid-17th century.

Science

In ecology, sparsity can describe areas that lack vegetation, showcasing the impact of climate or human activity.
In statistics, sparsity refers to datasets that have many zero values, indicating information is missing or not present.
Researchers explore sparsity in machine learning, where simpler models can often achieve better results with fewer parameters.

Economics

In economics, the concept of sparsity relates to resource allocation, where limited resources lead to careful distribution.
Sparsity can drive innovation, as businesses strive to do more with less, fostering creativity and efficiency.
The famous 'scarcity principle' states that limited availability increases perceived value.

Cultural References

Minimalistic design in art and architecture reflects the principle of sparsity, focusing on simplicity and open space.
Literature often uses sparsity to evoke feelings of loneliness or isolation through descriptions of empty landscapes.
In fashion, a trend for 'less is more' embraces the idea of sparsity, promoting a smaller wardrobe with versatile staples.

Psychology

Studies show that experiencing sparsity in one's environment can lead to increased problem-solving and adaptability.
The psychological effects of scarcity can create stress, influencing decision-making and behavior patterns.
Behavioral economics often examines how individuals react to scarce resources, impacting choices related to spending and saving.

Translations

Translations of the word "sparsity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esparsidade

🇮🇳 विरलता

🇩🇪 Sparsamkeit

Dürre
Mangel

🇮🇩 kekurangan

🇺🇦 рідкість

🇵🇱 rzadkość

🇯🇵 希薄

🇫🇷 rareté

🇪🇸 escasez

🇹🇷 seyreklik

🇰🇷 희소성

🇸🇦 ندرة

🇨🇿 řidkost

🇸🇰 riedkosť

🇨🇳 稀疏

🇸🇮 redkost

🇮🇸 fámenni

🇰🇿 тапшыдық

🇬🇪 ნაკლებობა

🇦🇿 nadirlik

🇲🇽 escasez

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,851 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31848 glorying
31849 unpropitious
31850 legionary
31851 sparsity
31852 genially
31853 haunch
31854 straggled
...